Meat with lentils

4 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
Lamb bones
1Cinnamon or bay leaf
2Garlic cloves
ounceDal (chana dal)
ounceToor dal (oiled variety)
2ouncesTamarind
Salt
¾teaspoonTumeric powder
6Green chilis, chopped
3tablespoonsCoriander leaves, chopped
25Curry leaves
8tablespoonsOil
ounceOnions, sliced
6Cloves
6Green cardomoms
4Inch cinnamon stick
2teaspoonsRed chili powder
3teaspoonsGarlic puree
3teaspoonsGinger puree
poundsMutton pieces
3Tomatoes, chopped
6Dried red chilis, broken
Into bits (optional)
3Garlic cloves, sliced
1teaspoonCumin seeds
¼teaspoonMustard seeds
teaspoonGaram masala powder

Directions

Put lamb bones to boil in 5 cups water with cinnamon or bay leaf and garlic clove for 30 minutes. Skim off the scum. Strain and set aside.

Wash both dals and soak them separately for 4 hours. Soak the tamarind in 1 cup water for 1 hour, then press out the juice, strain and set aside the tamarind water.

Put both dals into a cooking pot with 8 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt, tumeric powder, 3 green chilis, 1 tablespoon coriander and 10 curry leaves. Cook for 1½ hours or until tender. Liquidize to creamy consistency.

Heat half the oil in another large cooking pot and saute onions for 5 to 7 minutes. Then add the

cloves, cardamoms and cinnamon, let cook 2 to 3 minutes, then add the powdered garam masala. Add remaining green chilis, red chili powder, the remaining coriander, 10 curry leaves, garlic puree and ginger puree. Stir to prevent the spices from sticking to the pot. Sprinkle over 2 tablespoons water if necessary.

Add the mutton and saute over a moderate heat for 5 minutes. Add tomato and saute for 5 minutes. Stir in the pureed dals and the stock, adding water to total 4 cups. Add salt to taste and leave to cook, covered, over a moderate heat until the lamb is tender, about 45 to 50 minutes. Then add the tamarind water and remaining curry leaves and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes.

Just before serving, season by heating the remaining 4 tablespoons oil in a small frying pan and fry red chilis, garlic, cumin seeds, mustard seeds and garam masala powder (in this order). Fry 10 seconds, add to curry and stir. Serve.

Yield: 6 servings

Suggested drink: Flying Horse Beer TASTE SHOW #TS4915